Long Term Update 4: 2010 Subaru Outback

At 15,000 miles, the Outback got its second maintenance service, a $364.88 job that included an oil change, full inspection, tire rotation, and replacement of engine and cabin air filters. Associate Web editor Kirill Ougarov, who's remodeling his condo, used the Outback to haul some new goods.

"Reached for the outer limits of the Outback's cargo-carrying capacity last night when I picked up some laminate flooring. Thirty-six boxes fit surprisingly easily into the back with the rear seats folded, along with nine rolls of foam and three rolls of plastic. The added 1150 pounds of weight sat squarely on the rear axle, with the predictable result of the car's tail squatting and reduced steering response. Despite all this, the punchy four moved the car along with no complaint nor reduced braking performance."